Igor Tudor’s Juve are in desperate need of a major shake-up following their humiliating Club World Cup defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
City didn’t field a full strength starting XI but still thumped five goals past lacklustre Juventus. The Italian side’s defense had looked ill at ease in their wonderful wins over minnows Al-Ain FC and Wydad AC.
The harsh reality was when they played the defending champions, who were a class above the Serie A giants.
Tudor left both Samuel Mbangula and Timothy Weah out of his squad, as the club had agreed a deal to sell the pair at a knockdown price to Nottingham Forest. But the duo were unlikely to feature anyway.
Only shotstopper Michele Di Gregorio and super sub Kenan Yildiz left the pitch with their heads held high. Which is why Tudor knows he has his work cut out to get a squad strong enough for a shot at winning the Scudetto.
One name linked to the Bianconeri, which should delight Juventus fans, is Manchester City’s 21-year-old right winger Oscar Bobb.
Bobb is back in business
The Norwegian international broke his leg during training last August. A sudden turn, rather than being subjected to a tackle, caused a season-ending injury.
He is part of the City squad for the cash-rich Club World Cup, and played almost an hour in total in their opening two games. He was left on the bench against Juventus.
Bobb is of interest to Juve, although City head coach is assessing him as he was in superb form for the club’s pre-season preparations prior to his horrific accident.
Goal-hungry Norway international
He came through the youth ranks at City, and had just begun to forge a solid attacking partnership with compatriot Erling Haaland.
Guardiola appreciates that Bobb has the qualities to make a massive impact on the soccer arena, but he could be tempted to send his rising star on a season-long loan.
The bruising physical battles in the Premier League could be risky after his leg injury, with Serie A a potential destination. Only Juventus and Chelsea have sounded out his availability so far.
Tudor likes versatile players, with Bobb comfortable on either flank, as a center forward or as an attacking midfielder.